OSM Mystron Demonula

Thank You!!!

Thank you for making Wave 56 a fun one! The store held up without any major glitches, and the supply numbers seemed to match up pretty well with what folks were after. The Special Edition OSM Orbitron moved at a steady clip, and it was great to see that you guys were excited about the OSM returning after their extended break.

The significance of seeing an OSM mold run again is something that's hard to adequately describe knowing all the assorted details behind the modern line, but I'm extremely grateful to Mel, Gary and the 4H for working together with us to make it happen. I absolutely love the OSM, and owe much of my original inspiration to produce action figures to the extraordinary Mel Birnkrant, whose artistic vision has been affecting my creativity in only the most positive ways since I received a mysterious Colorforms set called "Space Warriors" back in the late 70's. I still look at the image on that box and feel excited to create and play, even after all this time. Expect to see some more Special Edition OSM as 2016 rolls along.

It's hard to believe that we're just over a month away from our 9th anniversary of running this ship. I know that we don't always present things exactly the way that the more mainstream companies do, and that our style is a bit eccentric at times, but it's the curves in the long road that make the drive a little more interesting. We don't ever take anything for granted around here, and we're fully aware that nothing is a guarantee, especially as the hardcore collecting community continues to shrink and the cybernetic society that connects the world takes an even greater hold on all our lives and interests.

No matter what the future holds, our clan is eternally thankful to be allowed to continue this adventure with each of you. 

 

Space Savage

Rex Effect

Rock Battle

Cosmic Gladiators

I've been literally waiting decades for a Colossus Rex like this.

Redesigned by the legendary Mel Birnkrant and sculpted by the inimitable Four Horsemen, the fully painted Rex shown above is really an out of this world figure.

I couldn't resist taking Rex outside today for a little battle with the completely outmatched Traveler Lymerran Pheyden (even with some Ultra Silver armor on). Who knows, maybe it was just a training exercise. Either way, it was quite surreal to take pictures of one of my personal super grails -an Infinity Edition of the remastered Rex!

The 4H have the whole new assortment of Infinity Editions OSM in stock now, including my childhood favorite, the mighty Man from Jupiter, Colossus Rex.

Huge, HUGE congratulations to Mel and the 4H for completing a cycle that was started all the way back in 1968! This line is without a doubt an integral piece of toy history, and I believe as the years roll on, it will become much clearer just how unique of an accomplishment bringing the OSM back to life has truly been.

Mission Details

After 4 consecutive snow storms filled with some sweet plowing and shoveling, I have finally been able to complete the list for this wave!

There's a little commentary about this round after the details: 

We are confirmed for this Sunday, February 23rd at 9:30PM EST!

There will be purchasing limits on select items: 

-Argen/Buildman (2 limit per customer)

-Armorvor (4 limit per customer) 

-Travelers (3 of each style per customer)  



The Gamma Conflict

 
Hades Pheyden MK III (Black Metallic/GITD Green head w/ painted eyes, chest, hands and knees/packed with scarf, Phase Arm/Gobon Blaster w/ painted accent/extra pelvis, Sarvos head and GITD Belt) $12
Spectre Force Sarvos (GITD Green w/ painted eyes, head, chest, pelvis, hands and knees/packed with extra head) $8    
Dark Traveler Rallakris (GITD Green w/ painted eyes, removable belt and inner/outer scarves) $8
Elder Exellis -Gendrone Ultra Corps (Ultra Silver w/ painted eyes, removable belt and bonus LSA head) $8

Axis Buildman Argen MK X -Gendrone Ultra Corps (Ultra Silver w/ Black visors and White tampos -Includes new two part head and scarf) $12
Axis Buildman -Gendrone Spectre Force Warrior (GITD Green w/ Aqua visors and White tampos -Includes new two part head and scarf) $12
NOTE- Each Axis Buildman is made up of one Buildman and one Axis Joint Set.

Advanced Phaseon Enyriun -Gendrone Ultra Corps (Ultra Silver w/ Black visors and White tampos) $10
Advanced Phaseon -Gendrone Spectre Force (GITD Green w/ Aqua visors and White tampos) $10
NOTE- Each Advanced Phaseon is made up of one Phaseon and one painted Hub Set.



Neo Sincroid -Gendrone Ultra Corps (Ultra Silver w/ Black visors and White tampos) $8
Neo Sincroid -Gendrone Spectre Force (GITD Green w/ Aqua visors and White tampos) $8
 
Noboto -Gendrone Ultra Corps (Ultra Silver w/ painted eyes, bonus head and White tampos) $8 
Noboto -Gendrone Spectre Force (GITD Green w/ painted eyes, bonus head and White tampos) $8

Gobon -Gendrone Ultra Corps (Ultra Silver w/ Black visors and White tampo) $8
Gobon -Gendrone Spectre Force (GITD Green w/ Aqua visors and White tampo) $8

Armorvor -Gendrone Ultra Corps Mimic (Ultra silver w/ Black visors) $8

Crayboth -Ultra Silver $3
Crayboth -GITD Green $3



Swing Joint Set -Ultra Silver $4
Swing Joint Set -GITD Green $4

Hub Set -Ultra Silver w/ Black accent and White tampo $4
Hub Set -GITD Green w/ Aqua accent and White tampo $4
NOTE- Each Hub Set is sold in a specific Drone configuration.

Axis Joint Set -Ultra Silver $4
Axis Joint Set -GITD Green $4
Axis Joint Set -Metallic Black $4 
 
Phase Arm/Gobon Blaster Single Set -Ultra Silver w/ Black accent $2
Phase Arm/Gobon Blaster Single Set -GITD Green w/ Aqua accent $2



Core Block -Hades Traitor (Dark Gray/Black w/ Aqua accents and White tampo print) $12 

Conversion Set (consists of 2 short Rig Arms for customizing vinyl figures) -Hades Traitor (Dark Gray/Black w/ Aqua accents and White tampo print) $12 



There is one small item in this release that has been in the works for literally years (like many of our weirdo projects), and it's an all new full production two piece Argen head, shown in the top pics! The original drawing for Argen's new noggin was drafted back in 2011, and evolved over the years as Ralph, Marcus and I worked on Argen's story arc. The final design pays homage to my favorite Marvel villian, Ultron.

Speaking of Ultron, the silver PVC you see in the Argen pics was matched up with the last Ultron figure that Hasbro released a while back. Using that Ultron figure as a color guide, the particular mix that our factory proceeded to pull off came out pretty good. The resulting marbled texture looks like it's made of a trapped iridescent golden light, blended with some extremely intense swirls of vibrant silver pigment. In honor of the source material, we are calling this PVC hue Ultra Silver.

Since old Argen is sporting something new, it only made sense that Hades should receive a kick in the cosmic pants as well. Packed with a variety of extra parts, including a Phase Arm/Gobon Blaster, Hades has been run in Black Metallic, which is a first around here. He has also received some brand new paint applications, making him the most decorated production Hades to date!

We've also brought back the Block (even if it is a traitorous version)! There's been a very satisfying feeling to messing around with some fresh Blocks again. I've missed running those big vinyl assortments. Maybe we'll have to remedy that this year. Perhaps with a Glyaxia Command colored selection?

To wrap up, I wanted to dedicate this new assortment of GITD and silver PVC to the Grand Master, Mel Birnkrant. His classic OSM character, Gamma X, was the inspiration for running these specific types of plastic together, as they are the design foundation of Mel's incredible and timeless Man from the 4th Dimension! You are still the King, Mel!

Thanks for reading this belated weather beaten word scramble! More pics will pop up as we get closer to Sunday!


EDIT: The PVC has also been returned to a softer durometer, for easier building.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

As we brace for another big snowstorm that is due to arrive early tomorrow morning, I wanted to start 2014 off with a few pics of a couple pocket survivors that have been hanging around with me since December. One point of interest is the head on the blue build, which comes from the legendary Mel Birnkrant's awesome design for his Outer Space Woman, Horroscope. I'm crazy about the look of this particular head, as it screams classic sci-fi with just a dash of Lovecraft mixed in. The Four Horsemen did an excellent job sculpting Mel's concept, and the finished product is really fun to incorporate across the lines.

The metallic red Protoclone is a little upgrade to the Gatekeeper Protoclone shown a few days ago, now sporting a more fortified form. The knee construction on this little brawler allows for some neat posing options, and overall the build holds up well to extensive play. I've had Little Red here in the rotation nonstop since putting it together.

Speaking of fortified forms (ha!), our long time collaborator and extended family member Marty Hansen, AKA The GodBeast, will be releasing his very first full production figure, Kabuto Mushi, this Friday night! The road to Kabuto Mushi's PVC form has been filled with some great moments, and I'm very happy to have been along for the ride. Marty's worked like a maniac for many years and been through his fair share of trials and tribulations. He might be a fiery son of a gun sometimes, but his heart beats for the right reasons. Friday night should be pretty fun.

More on Kabuto Mushi as Marty leads up to the release!

Silver and Chrome

Lots of activity in the month of December from our plastic slinging brothers!

The Four Horsemen have posted some sneak peeks of their special Outer Space Men Holiday Edition Silver Chrome armor accessories, which come with the brand new 2013 OSM Holiday Editions. These newly decorated versions also just happen to be beautifully painted up by the previously mentioned Ni!

As I  reviewed the parts (hence the pics), the whole assortment started to look like a Micronauts inspired fever dream! We now finally have the option of outfitting the latest wave of OSM with chromed parts!

Seeing Gamma X in clear colorless PVC sporting silver chromed armor and blasters is something directly from my "Nerd Book of Things I Wish Would Happen"!

The silver completely turns Jack Asteroid into an OSM/Adventure People/Micronauts super fusion astronaut!

Of course, then there is Colossus Rex, now made even more fearsome with a shield so reflective, you can see your doom all the clearer when he approaches.

I freaking love the OSM!

Always have, always will.

The Alpha Waves

Continuing with the Outer Space Men spotlight, here are some pics of the new Alpha Wave assortment mentioned in the previous post.

The clear colors on these really pack a punch, and the additional gear adds just the right amount of contrast.
I pushed the lighting a bit to try and capture the satisfying hues and translucent effects.

Man, that Gamma X is such a great combination so many cool things!

Landmarks

These test shots hold a special place with me, as I've been anticipating new figure versions of two Outer Space Men characters in particular since the new OSM project started with Mel and the 4H back in 2010. The two characters are Gamma X and Colossus Rex!

When these showed up in the mail, it was like Christmas and a birthday fused into one. To see Mel's genius vision so masterfully realized by the 4H in hand was (and will always be) absolutely a dream come true.

Terra Firma, Jack Asteroid, Horrorscope and the menacing Ohpromatem were also packed in the box and all came out looking fantastic as well. It took me a little while to realize that I had a job to do, and that  reviewing the test shots was more than just a fan's paradise!

As I write this, the first production versions of these new figures (Alpha Waves) have already made their debut and have been on sale at the 4H's booth during SDCC. They are also currently available here and here in the 4H's shop (though the pics are of the upcoming Infinity Editions-the clear Alpha Waves are the ones on sale in these links).

Congratulations to the legendary Mel Birnkrant for finally seeing ALL of his original Outer Space Men in full production!

What Mel started back in 1968 continues to bring happiness and spark imaginations for people all over the world.

Thank you for the endless inspiration and for leading the way for literally generations of toymakers.

We love you, Mel.

Carving The Comics

Sometimes you get to witness something incredible that seemingly comes out of nowhere, but has in fact existed in the shadows for far longer than you could have ever imagined. Such is the case with wood carving virtuoso, Charles Ponstingl.

Last year I had the honor of visiting toy design legend Mel Birnkrant, and among the secret treasures within his beautiful home were a series of stunning wood carvings hanging on his walls. On many of his walls.

Upon further inspection, it became clear that these were not only the works of a true master, but also the works of a person with a deep love for what they do. I was absolutely blown away by the art I was looking at. Exquisite renderings, all completely created from wood, of classic comic characters. Everything from Mickey Mouse to Little Nemo to Popeye adorned Mel's walls, all windows into each icon's world.

Mel explained that the carvings were all created by his great friend, Charles Ponstingl. I spent a long time staring at the various pieces, trying to understand how Charles put everything together. Having Mel as the guide, explaining each piece's history made the experience one of the best in my life.

Of course I took a multitude of pictures on my tiny iPod, none of which did the originals any justice, but I just wanted some kind of record to remember the occasion. I kept thinking how crazy it was that so few people would ever know about these wood carvings, as each piece was one of a kind and there was no real documentation of this rather large body of work, most of which Mel owned.

Well, Mel has once again shown how unbelievably focused and vital he is, even in his mid seventies! He has created an all new dedicated website, called Carving The Comics, which chronicles almost ALL of the wood carvings that Charles has made since he picked up a block of wood and a pen knife at the age of 38!

If you get the chance, head over to the site and curl up for an astonishing tale of creativity, comics history and most of all friendship.

Custom Imperium Xodiac

Here are a few pics of the custom "Imperium" Xodiac I put together for the recent Futuretro show. The intention was to give a slightly more armored look (big surprise) but not get too beefy by sculpting up a few new bits. As if a member of Xodiac's race found a Flexion Suit while visiting Glyos and popped it on, resulting in the state above. The cosmic "beard" is a direct homage to Mel's Goldiac paint job.

I was working on this right up until we left for NYC last Friday morning, touching up the paint as the sun came up. These shots were taken between closing up the barn and loading up the car.

Man, I love being able to customize OSM figures. I still can't believe these guys are back.

Retroactive

Marcus and I wanted to send a huge thank you out to everyone whom we met up with over the past weekend while we were visiting NYC for the Four Horsemen's Futuretro show. It was more fun than either of us could have imagined, with some truly awesome moments and unexpected twists throughout the trip.

The opening on Friday night was easily one of the best toy show experiences in recent memory, with a ton of positive energy and just a great vibe throughout the entire evening. Getting to see Mel Birnkrant surrounded by a crowd of his fans, both young and old, was simply awesome. The man really is a legend, and he lives up to any high expectations that you could ever hold.

Thank you to the 4H and Toy Tokyo for working so hard to put on such a unique and refreshing show, it will go down as one for the ages.

On one last note, the night was sealed with a killer Food Crawl around the East Village, where we all got to catch up and chow down.

We can't wait to do it all again.

PS -The special edition OSM set with Mel's new color selections is a knockout in person. I'm little obsessed with the Inferno, as evidenced above.

Futuretro!

This Friday, February 10th at 7PM EST, the Four Horsemen and Toy Tokyo will open the doors at the Toy Tokyo Underground Gallery to unveil Toypocalypse 2: Futuretro, a celebration of 45 years of The Outer Space Men and a rare look inside the creative powerhouse known as Four Horsemen Studios.

From the Horsemen:

"Their second annual show at the TT Underground showroom in New York City will feature many all-new, never before seen items and even some fan favorites and toy industry classics from the Four Horsemen's past, present and future! Get an up close and personal look at action figure work that's seldom (if ever) been seen outside the Four Horsemen's own studio.


Toypocalypse 2: Futuretro will begin with a special opening night for friends and fans at TT Underground Friday night - February 10th 2012, and will run through most of the following week.
 
And if you're a fan of the Four Horsemen's licensed action figure line, The Outer Space Men, then you're NOT going to want to miss this show! There's going to be a specially featured Outer Space Men display that will most likely never be seen in this form again, as well as some special events surrounding the 45th anniversary of The Outer Space Men!

Last, don't forget about the AMAZING set of super limited Outer Space Men figures redesigned by Mel Birnkrant himself specifically for Futuretro! This extra special set of figures will be signed by Mel AND The Four Horsemen, and will also come with an exclusive Outer Space Men print by fan favorite illustrator and frequent Four Horsemen collaborator, Nathan Baertsch! All of that for only $125.00! What a steal! If you want a sneak peek into Mel's brain as he created this new variation on his old classics, check out the "Custom Colors" section of his "Sketchbook" website HERE.

The show's absolutely free, so come on by, chill out with us and some amazing toy industry dignitaries for a couple hours, have a free brewsky on us, and say 'hey' at Futuretro!"

-4H  (clipped from the 4H blog)


Click over to the Horsemen Blog to catch up on all the details that surround this crazy show!

One particularly special part of the festivities is that the creator of the original OSM, Mel Birnkrant, will be in attendance on Friday night -this aspect alone is worth the trip! Between the Horsemen and Mel, you will be in the company of the best in the toy business, all in one spot.

There is also an open call OSM custom show on top of everything else (and fresh off his domination of cable TV, an appearance by the notorious Sucklord himself).

Marc, Jesse and I (the booby prizes) will also be coming down for the show on Friday night and possibly unveiling a thing or two in the gallery. We hope to see some of you guys and maybe go for an East Village Food Crawl later that evening. Crif Dogs is calling us!

All in all, a great time on the horizon!

The Holiday Phase

 The Four Horsemen strike again with an all new Galactic Holiday Edition of the OSM Waves 3 and 4!
Packed with vac-metallized helmets (and certain weapons) featuring two special holiday themed tints (available in multiple options), these suckers really pop when you get them in hand. They are currently available at StoreHorsemen.com!

Mel's babies roll on!